Kar-Ben Read-Aloud eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to bring eBooks to life! Setting out from Boston to New Orleans in 1801, Judah Touro dreamed of becoming a successful shopkeeper. Through his skill in business, he earned a great fortune. But the harrowing experience of being injured on a battlefield during the War of 1812 showed Judah the world through new eyes. Grateful for his riches, he recognized that they could be used to help others. So humble Judah did his great philanthropic deeds, large and small, all in secret. "Judah Touro Didn't Want to be Famous, written by Audrey Ades and Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, is a biography written for a slightly older audience. It is the story of a Jewish philanthropist who donated enough money to build new hospitals, schools and housing for the people of his beloved city, New Orleans. It begins with Judah arriving in the city, after a perilous sea voyage. He was a friendly, hard-working young man and quickly built up a successful business. When injured in the War of 1812, Judah's slow recovery allowed him plenty of time to re-evaluate his life. As he looked around at the suffering endured by his fellow townspeople, Judah realized God had a special plan for him. He had enough money to share. His only request: his donations were to be kept secret, for he knew that true tzedakah was a gift from the heart and needed no recognition." - Marcia Berneger, San Diego Jewish World "Most children have never heard of Judah Touro and likely neither have their parents − unless they are well-versed in American Jewish history. This picture-book biography of the noted Jewish philanthropist is particularly welcome because it illuminates the motivations often felt by wealthy individuals who feel gratitude and humility in relation to their riches and thus choose to help others less fortunate. In 1801, Judah Touro, of Sephardic descent, sailed from Boston to New Orleans to open up a dry-goods store. He established a successful business, but 11 years later, became gravely wounded in the War of 1812. Upon recovery, he reconsidered his purpose in life and concluded he was not saved by God just to be a businessman making more and more money. His eyes opened to the poverty and disease of his adopted city, and he spent the remainder of his life building hospitals, orphanages, housing, schools, libraries, churches and synagogues. He was particularly moved by the slave auctions he witnessed, and he began to pay off their masters in order to free enslaved people - often giving them money to start businesses. The book's title refers to his desire to donate anonymously. The author states, 'Over the course of his lifetime, Judah gave away more money than any other American of his time. But he was not famous. And that's just the way he wanted it.' His is a true role model for young readers." - Lisa Silverman, Jewish Journal "In 1801, Judah Touro dreamed of finding success in New Orleans as he set sail from Boston Harbor. His story is vividly recounted in Judah Touro Didn't Want to be Famous, written by debut author Audrey Ades and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. After spending five miserable months at sea, Judah arrives in New Orleans. 'His father and grandfather had also sailed the seas. They left their homes to practice Judaism in peace and freedom. God had taken care of them. Judah knew God had a plan for him, too.' Mildenberger's illustrations, using soft brown and blue colors, depict the busy harbor in Touro's new hometown. 'A busy harbor meant trade. And trade was a business Judah knew well.' Ades takes us through Judah's transforming life as he welcomes new friends into his shop at Number 27 Chartres Street. Mildenberger draws crowds of people waiting in line as the industrious shop owner's business booms. He becomes the most successful merchant in town unlike his father and grandfather who had been great Rabb

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